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I learned about the magic of glycerites during the Green Wisdom Herbal Study Group through Meetup.com. The topic of conversation was lavender glycerites and we each had a taste and of course the first thing that went through my mind was how this would taste great in a martini! The teacher of course extrapolated on other great uses for this glycerite besides libations including how glycerites are child and pet friendly since glycerin is non-alcoholic unlike a tincture

A glycerite is made up of glycerin and a fresh or dried herb. Some deviations include water and/or alcohol in addition to the glycerin to make glycerites. The glycerin I use and recommend is one that is safe for cosmetic and edible use (I bought the NOW Solutions Glycerine because you get a better bang for your buck). The hardest thing about making a glycerite is finding glycerin in your area that is derived from food based oils. I have to order mine online most of the time.

To make a glycerite is fairly easy and I followed my Herbal teacher's formula: 1 part water to 3 parts glycerin.

Materials

Mason Jar or some glass sterile container with a top

Food Based Glycerin, safe for edible consumption and cosmetic use

Distilled Water

Around .5oz-1 oz dried or fresh herbs

Process

I used the 1.5 oz of water to 4.5 oz of glycerin ratio for about 1oz of dried herb (next time I will use less, about .5 oz or less - read further to find out why). Mix glycerin and water in a separate container until it is fully diluted - goes from cloudy to clear

If dried herbs are whole, grind them up in your NutriBulletor for me I used my mom's old coffee grinder from the late 90s. Put dry herbs in a jar then pour the water/glycerin mixture on top. Shake well.

Store in a cool, not sunny area and shake it everyday. I keep mine in my bathroom just so I can remember to shake it everyday.

After two weeks strain it with a cheese cloth into another sterile jar or for me, I am adding it to a pump (splash of rose glycerite please!). To preserve it I will probably store it in my refrigerator.

Lavender Rose Glycerites

In hindsight I should of used less herbs just because the dried herbs absorb all of the liquid and within a day I had to make a new water/glycerin (1 oz: 3oz) batch and add them to the herbs. Depending if they absorb that up as well I might have to add another and another water/glycerin batch until there is at least 2-3 centimeters floating on top of the dried mixture.

As I mentioned in my blog post (peep link in bio above) there was a time I was WRAPPING each individual Loc to do faux locs...and it took me 12 hours to complete! 😭Anyway a mix of the crochet method with some individuals is really the best way to go and only takes like 2.5hours out of your afternoon and LASTS longer! #fauxlocs #locs #crochetbraids #crochethairstyles #naturalhair #freetress #freetresssoftfauxlocs #kinkyhair

New blog post AND video on how to perm rod curl Cuban Twist crochet braids✨🤸🏾‍♀️✨ I did it after wearing straight Cuban Twist for ✌🏾TWO✌🏾weeks and totally refreshed the style to be worn curly for another two weeks! #bombcrochetdaily #naturalhair #crochetbraids #cwkgirls #protectivestyles #cubantwist #curling #myhaircrush #curls #curly #freetress

And to answer everyone's questions including my own...No! Straightened Cuban Twist crochet braids are NOT stiff 🙅🏽You know I always have to conduct a #windcheck when it comes to #crochetbraids 😂 More on the blog today! #cubantwisthair #naturalhair #cubantwist #kinky #curly #protectivestyles #pressncurl

Cuban Double Strand Twist crochet braids makes you wish for the childhood days of full unmanageable textured hair✨🤸🏾‍♀️✨ this is before you straighten it out #equal #cubantwist #textured #kinky #curly #bighair #afro #naturalhair #crochetbraids #textured #protectivestyles

Taming of the Cuban Twist (a mixture of blow drying and flat ironing) - finally some textured straight crochet braids with a natural part and none of my hair left out!! 🙌🏾🙏🏾🙌🏾 more on the blog! #naturalhair #crochetbraids #cubantwist #cubantwisthair #straightcubantwist #curly #kinky #protectivestyles